Getting ready for a trip to the water? Choose the correct fishing reel for your outing. Whether you′re after a big steelhead or a scrappy trout learn about these different types of fishing reels and how they can work for you.

Egg Carton Parts Holder. If you′re the handyman type who can dismantle your own reel for maintenance here′s a tip you can use. Save an empty egg carton or three and number each compartment. Then when as you′re taking your reel apart place each part in a separate compartment of the egg carton(s) as you go along putting part 1 in compartment 1 part 2 in compartment 2 and so on. When reassembling the reel you can pick up the parts in reverse order and get everything back together right. Of course it′s also a good idea to save and file the schematics that come with the reels you buy and use them when you′re doing reel maintenance. That′s the best way to know what goes where.

Start each trip with a thorough cleaning. Gently rinse each reel to remove salt particles. Don′t loosen the drags yet and don′t use a lot of water pressure either to prevent forcing salt and dirt into internal components. If possible wash reels with warm soapy fresh water to remove salt body oils blood and dirt. Remove the skirted spool (and drag knob if necessary) and clean the underside of the spool and the spindle area. Next rinse the entire reel again with a gentle spray and let them air dry or pat with a towel or chamois. Next loosen the drag knob to remove pressure so the washers don′t become compressed and warped.